FORT WORTH - Fort Worth came in as the top big city in the nation for population growth between 2000 and 2013, boasting a 42.3 percent increase, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

It dwarfed Austin, which came in third, by nearly 15 percent, and had more than double the gain of San Antonio, which came in fourth. Dallas took 24th with 2.8 percent.

The data shows a mass migration to Texas and North Texas specifically.

The region is an attractive job hub, being home to 18 Fortune 500 companies across a variety of sectors. Toyota's move is expected to bring and hire more than 3,000 workers.

"Dallas and Fort Worth have been leaders in the job gain category," said KC Sanjay, a senior real estate economist with Axiometrics. "Where there are jobs, naturally you pull in people from all over."

Most of those packing their bags for DFW are from California, according to Chuck Ehmann, a real estate economist with Axiometrics. Omnitracs and Active Networks, both headquartered in San Diego, have announced moves to Dallas.

Companies and individuals are also migrating from Florida and the Midwest.

When they arrive in North Texas, most migrants ages 36 and older are settling in suburbs to take advantage of better school districts. However, ages 22 to 35 tend to settle closer to the cities' urban cores, such as in Dallas' downtown and Oak Lawn neighborhoods, to be closer to work.